David Edward Froehlich

Dave Froehlich was "maestro" to us -- such a competent musician and teacher, and a true artist. He stood for excellence in music and taught us more than that. I owe him much for the musical and life background he gave me.

Mr. Froehlich was a major influence in my life. He was my teacher and mentor first, and later a friend and colleague, whose memory crosses my mind frequently. A uniquely gifted musician and teacher, "Dave" was a treasured presence in not only my life but that of many, many others. Phrases of his remain points of guidance for me to this day, and I truly miss him. May his family and other friends be comforted in the knowledge of how many lives he enriched! We are all blessed to have had him touch our lives, and he will live on forever in our hearts, as does Music Itself. I look forward to that future time when we will be reunited in the Great Beyond.

As a photojournalist for the Vallejo Times Herald for 28 ytears, I became aware early on of a musical force of nature in town named David Froehlich.
As a resident of Fern Place, with Virl Swan as a neighbor & "mayor" of our 'hood, I discovered the link between the two distinguished gents, along with John Kolarik who competed the trio.
After I became an entertainment columnist for the TH from '99-'06, the deep & enduring contribution of this threesome to Vallejo, Solano County, Cali & the family of man became apparent.
He was ever a gentleman & a scholar & a teacher. I am better for having known him & proud to call him a friend.
Through his legions of students, he continues make music & he can have no greater legacy.

Great teacher...and a great loss to us all. I just loved his Theory classes, and when he played piano...you could just sense the joy!

Mr. Froehlich was my theory teacher during my days at Solano. He did more than teach theory. He opened my ears and my mind to a world of possibilies through his anecdotes but mostly through his playing. On the piano he was able to tell you all about life and the world. Everytiime I saw him he remembered me and was always encouraging as I left SCC for San Francisco State and years later when I came back home to teach music at Vallejo HS. Thanks Mr. Froehlich for the theory lessons and the life lessons.

JAN-Sorry to hear about your dad,he was a great neighbor may he rest in peace.he will be greatly missed. Laudene Bohl-Metaxas

We are so sorry for your loss. We have wonderful memories of Mr. Froehlich as a neighbor many years ago, and of his playing with John Kolarik at our 25th wedding Anniversary Party in the old Terry's Club in Vallejo. We have enjoyed many of his jazz sessions at the Sardine Ca as well as other venues.
Lee & JoAnne Dupper

Rest from your labor now Mr. Froehlich!

Your student Barbara

Recollections: When I was finally old enough to join the Community Pres Choir with my parents Dave asked me, "Say 'Hello, Mr. Froelich', and I'll give you a funny answer." I did, and he said, "You're a Bass!" He also said he could play Jazz piano and concert bass, but not concert piano or jazz bass, but it wasn't true! Thanks for all the music, Dave.

Jan:

I never met your Dad. But looking through you, I feel I know him like an old pal. May his music continue to play in your heart.

This message is for Jan.
Hi Jan, it's been so long but seems like yesterday. I think of you once in awhile and hope you are well especially now with the passing of your wonderful father.
Big hug. Jean Wilson-Erickson

RIP Uncle David. Loved hangin' with you and playing 4 handed piano at Froehlich Family Reunions! "Keep swinging', man"

Uncle David, you and your piano will be sorely missed at the family reunions! Martha Froehlich Beard

I remember well (around 1956) when Dave arrived in our Vallejo JC dance band class. He found an empty lunch bag on top of the piano and held it up; speaking into the bag,asking if any jazz was in there. Then, he told us that he quit playing in night clubs because of the drunks asking for certain tunes. He'd throw in Susa marches and waltzes and the drunk never new the difference. We had started the dance band in 1954 at Vallejo High but we didn't advance much until Dave became our instructor. He was a very accomplished musician, inspirational instructor,and one heck of a great piano player. A couple of my class mates were Tom Gentry and Pat Houston. I'll never forget Dave.

My first recollection of Dave was listening to him in a quintet with my dad Arend Wheeler. My dad was on trombone, Wally Farmer on flugelhorn Dalt Williams on bass and Barney Graves on drums and Dave was on piano. They would rehearse once in a while at our house. That was back in the early 60's when I was just beginning to play drums. One afternoon I was practicing trying to get down the 5/4 rhythm when Dave came in and sat down on the piano and started playing take 5. I was trying to put in fills and impress Dave when he stopped, looked at me and said: " Jimmy, It's what you leave out of the music that makes it good." I never forgot that subtle lesson on taste. There were many more musical moments we shared over the years and it was an honor and privilege to have a friend like Dave. He was never critical and always made you feel good by complimenting positively about your playing. He was a natural born teacher able to inspire his students. Back in the early 70's I watched Merv Griffin Interview Sly Stone. Merv asked Sly who had the greatest influence on him musically. Sly said that Dave Froehlich was the man who most influenced him and admonished Merv to never forget the name Mr. Dave Froehlich. Sly (Sylvester Stewart) had been one of Dave's students at Vallejo Junior College. I'll miss Dave and especially that creative playing I enjoyed so much but more than that he was a true friend.

I was a student at Vallejo Junior College from 1961 through 1963, and took music theory from Dave during those years. I first remember seeing him when I was a Junior in High School, and he walked into the band room just before we began to play. Virl Swan was in his office, and Dave began to sing "Swanee, how I love you how I love you....". Who was this guy? I began to play bass trombone in the Vallejo Symphony in 1961, my senior year, as John Kolarik moved over to the double bass. There was Dave, holding forth. It was his piano playing that I remember the most, whether it was working with Virl at a high school dance, demonstrating musical styles in class, or just listening to him improvise. I recall the story about the impression he made on Dave Brubeck, but I don't know the details well enough to repeat it. Maybe someone else can share it. I became a college teacher as well, and my career of 42 years was shaped by Dave, John, and Virl. I owe him a great deal, and he will always be "maestro" to me.

Jim Snoke

I was so glad to have met Professor Emeritus Froehlich and interacted with him. Usually I hear of former SCC greats who pass away without having met them. He is an SCC legend.

Should have been to see you before this. You were a good friend And a great person. The world has lost a very special person and great musician.

I am so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I was aware that he'd been in declining health these last few years, but his death really hits me hard. He was my Theory teacher, Piano teacher and Choirmaster as Vallejo J.C., and years later we gigged together. I always felt that anytime I worked with Dave, I hadn't played better -- he brought it out of people. I feel honored to have had his path cross mine and believe the world is a little less a wonderful place without him in it. So much of what I know of music is a direct result of Dave Froehlich's input and patience. I'll also miss his sense of humor, and fondly remember stories he shared with me. A part of Dave lives on in his many students, and that is a good thing, a tribute to a great teacher and wonderful friend. He used to tell me that Brahms wrote the best bass lines of any composer -- if anyone would know that, he would! I think if I poured myself some good sour mash and listened to some Brahms tonight, Dave would appreciate that. Godspeed and farewell my friend, and condolences to the family. Dave was special, a unique talent; I'll miss his presence here, but I know there is someplace better where we will see each other again.